Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea in Moorea, French Polynesia

Maeva! The exceptionally beautiful Tahitian islands extend a warm welcome in the native Polynesian tongue, and invite you to discover new levels of luxury, indulgence, and rejuvenation. Just ten miles in length, the heart-shaped island of Moorea is home to aromatic hibiscus, sparkling sapphire waters, and Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea. Lavish accommodations of this eye-catching resort abutting the Pacific include spacious single and family guestrooms, as well as garden and beach bungalows. The most striking features of the resort, however, are the overwater bungalows: 28 luxurious thatched roof dwellings that look as if poised on the calm, shallow water. Glass bottom spaces in each bungalow offer breathtaking views of the ecologically friendly underwater landscape below. Water at your feet, beach along the horizon, and endless possibilities make Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa the only destination for your next vacation.

Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea embraces the rich heritage of the region and allows guests to experience true Moorea, from family friendly Polynesian shows at dinner to expressive traditional Polynesian tattoos applied by a renowned local tattoo artist. Adventurous spirits will delight in swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, while epicureans get their fill at The Mahana'i and Matiehani Restaurants. Polynesian fusion with international influences, delectable dishes at each eatery embrace the comfort foods of the region with essences from abroad. Experience paradise at Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea, where the mystique of the South Pacific will draw you in, and the convivial island spirit invites you to stay. Maeva!

Reviews for Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea

Which explains why we chose this hotel versus a comparable OTW bungalow at the Sofitel, Hilton or Intercontinental (after all, doesn't everyone want to stay in an OTW bungalow in Tahiti?). We were pensive prior to arrival because of reviews complaining of the Manava's "tired" and less than luxurious condition. However, we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival because our bungalow has been recently updated. Very nice plumbing fixtures, efficient toilet, tile bathroom flooring and a very large fully tiled shower. The size of our bungalow was quite large and included a second, smaller (twin) bed which we imagine could be used for a child. Because our OTW bungalow was "premium," we had unobstructed views of the surrounding reef out to the ocean. And a glass insert in the wood floor to view fish in our room. Very nice. Wi-fi access was surprisingly very good, and the in room air conditioning kept our room quite comfortable. The in-room refrigerator was old, but it did its job so we cannot complain. And no pesky "resort fee" add ons. All in all, not as modern and luxurious as the St. Regis, Four Seasons or Intercontinental Thalaso on Bora Bora or the Sofitel in Moorea, but quite nice. You won't be disappointed.
Now the criticisms. The pricing for food/drinks was very, very high. They are very, very high in all of Tahiti but given this resort's age, size, service, food quality (which we did not find exceptional) and presentation, food/drink pricing was too high (like nearly $40/person for your standard buffet breakfast or $20 for a continental one). So we ventured down the road for lower priced alternatives. And that was the good part because unlike the Sofitel, there actually is a village (Maharepa) with a grocery store and restaurant options within short walking distance.
We wanted a lodging option that included daily breakfasts. But it wasn't offered but for the nearly $40/person/day add on. Message to Manava. Include daily breakfasts for all your guests, include them in your pricing (which is what the Sofitel in Moorea does), but don't charge so much because you will price yourself out of the market.
The pool was old and tired. But it worked (except for the hot tub which lacked the key word "hot"). The pool furniture was old and standard. But it worked. The infinity pool looked out to OTW bungalows which interfered with what would have been nice ocean views. But it was infinity and we had our OTW bungalow for those views.
We rented a car and had problems finding parking because parking is limited and the resort's employees fill it up. But through perseverance we were eventually successful. And because we were not charged for parking, we cannot complain.
Maybe it was the time of year when we arrived (the third week in September), but there were a lot of families staying at the Resort. Lots of kids in the pool and running up and down the pool decking. So if you are looking for "romanticism," you might want to think again.
All in all, we would rate our stay positive. Is the Manava worthy of five stars? No. But given the choice of paying 40% or greater more to stay in a premium OTW bungalow at a true five star property, or what we paid at the Manava, we would return to the Manava.
BTW, we stayed in bungalow 418 which was located at the very end of the OTW bungalow walkway which was a spectacular location. Thank you Manava.

We really enjoyed our 2 week stay at Manava. The resort is smaller than others we have stayed at but this creates a quiet and very relaxed atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and nothing is a bother for them to do or organise for you. The restaurant and bar area is lovely and is well priced for a resort. The pool is very nice and you also have the option of sandy area's down by the sea. Our family stayed in adjoining garden view rooms which were quiet, large, clean and very well appointed. They also have a big terrace with table and chairs. Ice buckets are in all rooms and ice machines in every accomodation block. There is a local shopping centre just 5 minutes walk away with a well stocked supermarket selling everything including cheese, pastries, beers, tonic and wine. The resort is more than happy for you to stock up and eat on the terrace. There are numerous restaurants close by that are good but most are not much cheaper than eating at the resort and it is expensive to taxi if the restaurant does not collect you. We have stayed in many resorts in the Pacific and Asia and we highly recommend the Manava.

We were here 2 years ago and the biggest change has been the name from Pearl beach Moorea to Manava Suites Moorea. We stayed in premium overwater fare #419. It is the 2nd from the end of the pontoon on the eastern side. Room is well equipped and comfortable. All the premium overwater fares are built on the edge of the rock and coral drop off so there are lots of fish to be seen when snorkeling right of the bungalow deck. This end of the pontoon also offers excellent sunrise views. Sometimes in the morning you can see a pod of dolphins swimming inside the reef. The water in the lagoon is crystal clear with very good visibility. The restaurant has some very good food or you can have lunch or dinner in the bar. Service at all levels from check in to check out is excellent. Rental cars are available just across the street at Albert's car rental. Shopping, banks, and restaurants are a 5 minute walk. The activities desk can schedule just about anything available on Moorea. There is a dive service on premises. Free activities include snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, paddle boats and ping pong. They also have jet skis and motor boats for a fee. WIFI is now available in the rooms as well as the lobby area. All in all this is a wonderful place and we hope to get back soon.

Manava is a short hop from the Air Port but far enough away as not to be disturbed by sight or sound of planes landing or taking off. It's beach area is small in comparison to the Sofitel or Hilton but its not a long walk away from any room like those two. It's infinity pool is great although the view to infinity stops at the over water bungalows. It's hot tub if that is what is its suppose to be wasn't hot but outside under the sun was perfect.
They have all sorts of water activities for free however for those old farts like me who have snorkeled or scuba dive since the 70's the fish life is pretty lame around the hotel. We are going to rent the jet ski that will take us to run with dolphins and snorkel with sharks to get our adrenaline rush later today.
Great bar for tropical or island drinks although if you wanted a Bloody Mary or White Russian then either know some French to tell them how or watch as they put stuff in the blender and asked "do you like"? The staff are all very friendly and helpful. They would do anything to make sure you are happy and pleased. Service has been generally very prompt.
We chose to get a Garden Bungalow room with it's own private courtyard and splash pool. Now I'm normally one that wants the over water or ocean front type room but this was great. The private pool in our private court yard was perfect for skinny dipping and rekindling intimate moments of our youth. Or great to just step in for a cool refreshing moment after shopping or driving.
All the food has been 4* or above and our room was clean, quiet, comfortable, good AC but the bar frig is more a place to keep things cool or shaded maybe but not cold so if you want it cold raid the ice makers frequently and get big buckets. The cost is high here as it is everywhere on the Tahitian islands however the experienced globe trekkers will walk 7 min down the road and buy a loaf of French bread, fruit, cheese, drinks and more and eat like kings on a paupers budget. If you want to enjoy what the real local food and local caught fish then venture down the road as there are lots of places to discover and enjoy
I looked at most the high end hotels during our self driving tour of the island. As far as location, amenities, access to shopping and overall relaxation this seems the best however it would be hard to pick a bad one even if it was a cheap one.